Founder of BRECAN and wife of the Ondo State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu kicks off Crowd Funding Initiative to support Ondo State women with Breast Cancer.

Speaking at a Press Conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure, Arabinrin Akeredolu called for concerted effort in the drive to save underprivileged women afflicted with the breast cancer.

The highlight of the event is the announcement of the launch of the N200million Crowd Funding initiative as Arabinrin Akeredolu takes up the case of a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer.
She further explained that the money will be drawn from the account to support Ondo State women with Breast Cancer who can’t afford to access treatment.

“My assignment here is to galvanize all of us here to do something. Quite a number of our women die of breast cancer because of ignorance and also because of lack of funds. Are we going to fold our hands and watch them die? We are adopting crowd funding so as to raise money to support our women who are suffering at different stages of cancer. I think we are over 3million people in Ondo State. If just 1 million of concerned citizens in Ondo State can afford to drop N200, that will go a long way”.

While enjoining well meaning people to donate generously, Mrs Akeredolu assured that proceeds would be spent transparently and judiciously, an account has been opened with the UNITY BANK PLC.

Account Details;

Bank: Unity Bank

Name: BRECAN SPECIAL PROJECT

ACCOUNT: 0029754924

Mrs Umar of Unity bank, Lekki Branch in Lagos said anyone can donate from any part of the world.

The Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Mrs. Morenike Alaka who brought to attention of the government and the public the critical state of Mrs. Kehinde Akingboye, a 45-year-old woman, with stage four Breast Cancer, who for the past 7 years said the patient stayed in-door for fear of stigmatization and lack of funds.

According to her, women must be ready to come out and seek help in order to save their own life and government, with this initiative will be ready to help those in need of funds for treatment.

“It is so unfortunate that most of us have not keyed into this awareness we are talking about. There are so many of our women out there that are hiding away from Doctors and shying away from going to the hospital.

In his presentation, Dr. Katung Abah from the Federal Medical Centre, Owo highlighted the different stages of breast cancer, stressing that it is most unfortunate that some people even having seen the magnitude of their problem, still steer clear from seeking professional help.

While noting that there is treatment for cancer, Dr. Abah emphasized that early presentation at the hospital increases chances of survival.

“We have problem treating cancer patient because some of the time, most people don’t even believe they have cancer as an expression of faith or denial and at times, they do not have the money to access treatment”, he added while also affirming that it is pretty difficult for an individual to be able to cater for the cost of treatment which is quite expensive.

Dr. Abah who applauded Arabinrin Akeredolu for her initiatives most especially the inclination to help the less privilege, stressed the need for the government to strengthen Nigeria’s health insurance policies in order to make access to health services an easy process.

Breast cancer is increasingly becoming the leading cause of death of Nigerian women. Countless unknown Nigerian women in their small corners are dying needlessly from this disease that the advances in medical research is proving survivable. Late presentation due to ignorance is our main headache in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria. More often than not, breast cancer sign is a painless lump. A woman finds this painless lump and breast cancer does not cross her mind because “it is not her portion”. She carries on with her life until she begins to feel pain. The deeply entrenched perception is that breast cancer is caused by juju or spiritual attack which is largely responsible for the huge patronage to prayer houses. It is frustrating to hear that educated and high income women when diagnosed with breast cancer expect miracle healing which is a gamble that ends up with the advanced (stage of the) disease. Until the mindset of an average Nigerian about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated is changed and government, at all levels, deploys resources to raise awareness and create access to affordable treatment and care, Nigerian women will continue to die untimely from breast cancer due to ignorance and lack of funds. Breast cancer awareness is abysmally low in Ondo State coupled with the misconceptions about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated. Given that most of the women with advanced breast are poor and cannot afford the cost of treatment in the hospitals, BRECAN has decided to embark on crowd funding to assist, firstly, those with advanced breast cancer access care in the hospitals as soon as enough funds are realized. Our outreach to all and sundry to donate is indicative of the realization that the fight against breast cancer is a collective effort and a subtle reminder that we are all in this together given that breast cancer does not respect anyone. EVERY WOMAN IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER!

Founder of BRECAN and wife of the Ondo State Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-AkeredoluDr. Katung Abah from the Federal Medical Centre, OwoMrs. Kehinde Akingboye, 45-year-old woman, with stage four Breast Cancer

The First Lady of Ondo State and the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) has called for all hands to be on deck in the fight against breast cancer.

Speaking at the official launch and fundraising dinner for the Lagos Chapter of BRECAN at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lagos, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu called for support of individuals and government to ensure that women do not die needlessly because of breast cancer, stating that the time has come for everybody to play their part in the effort to add knowledge and eradicate the scourge of cancer.

“We don’t have to fold our hands; I think it is about time we begin to take part in the effort to add knowledge and eradicate the scourge of cancer so that our women do not die needlessly because they do not have money to access treatment.

“For us to do so much, we need money to be able to comb the nooks and crannies of this state so that our women are aware that if they do nothing about that painless lump, their survival is not guaranteed. Awareness is key; let us all support ourselves and know that women are surviving cancer if you do the right thing at the right time”, she stressed.

In her lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Olufunmi Olateju emphasized the role of diet in attaining good health while also highlighting some factors that helps in preventing cancer which include physical exercise, healthy eating habits among others.

“A lot of people don’t like to do exercise; be physically active as part of everyday life. Avoid sugary foods and eat lean meat”, she added while analyzing the impact of food choices on a cancer patient and also the need to get expert advice.

In her own remark, the National President of BRECAN, Mrs. Juliet Ogbogu expressed joy at the official launch of the chapter while applauding Arabinrin Akeredolu for taking the initiative to establish BRECAN 20 years ago.

“I want to thank God that BRECAN is spreading like wild fire. She did it, she survived it and she is still counting. BRECAN has gone international. We are raising funds today in order to be able to create awareness. I am happy that chapters are springing up. We now have chapters in 7 states of the federation”, Mrs. Ogbogu reiterates.

In attendance at this epoch making event was the wife of Lagos state Governor , Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the wife of Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Mrs. Ajewole Ajayi, the wife of Ondo State SSG, Mrs. Jumoke Abegunde among other top dignitaries.

Giving an emotional speech, Salmon Nurat, a 30 year old breast cancer survivor who used the opportunity to thank Mrs. Akeredolu for founding BRECAN in order to give hope to patients charged the government to make radiotherapy machines available so that cancer patient can access help.

In her own remark, Funmi Adefila Osiegbu, another breast cancer survivor admonished that a total lifestyle change is required and that eating right and exercise is a must.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of BRECAN, Lagos State, Mrs. Vivian Okorie affirmed that the official launch of the state chapter was indeed special as it is a movement directed towards bringing about change to humanity.

According to her, the scourge of breast cancer is no longer news as it affects both the young and the old, thus the need to collectively fight back.
While calling for supports in its bid to continually create awareness and advocate for resources and facilities that will aid in quick recovery of women suffering from breast cancer, Mrs. Okorie enjoined everybody to be a part of the fight back.

The Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) and the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu had reassured Nigerians of BRECAN’s commitment to eliminating breast Cancer as a life threatening disease, through public education, patient support, advocacy and research across Nigeria in the face of numerous challenges in the country.

Mrs Akeredolu made the vow at the BRECAN Centre Ibadan, Oyo state while speaking at the SERVICE OF SONGS organized by BRECAN in honour of a departed BRECAN’s foot Soldier Late Mrs Ruth Olufunke Oyewole Jp (Nee Arogbo) who died after battling with this life threatening disease.

Mrs Akeredolu who said the fight required sustainable awareness and cautious effect of people with like passion also called on Government at all level to keep voting money for the course.

“We really need to intensify awareness creation and it has to be sustained it is not just a one off thing, awareness needs money not one person’s thing, not just me, we need more foot soldiers, gradually we are increasing in numbers, we fan out into the nooks and crannies of this area and all over the country. Today we have seven chapters, we are lunching Lagos tomorrow.

Gradually we will be able to convince our people that this is a medical issue. Women are having breast cancer but they most not die for it. We live here to go and lobby US Senators in America, you know why we lobby them? To keep on voting money for breast Cancer so that our women will not die, it pains me when our women die at the peak of their productive age” she concluded in tears.

Mrs Akeredolu pledged to keep on preaching about that pathway that made her survive which according to her is going to hospital as soon as a lump, discharge from the nipples, or reddish spot is observed during the breast self examination and called on Nigeria women to always pay attention to health education.

In a tribute, the national President of BRECAN Mrs Juliet Ogbuogu said Mrs Oyewole had a life well spent in the service of God and humanity as a Christian and described her as a virtuous woman, a committed Christian, a caring and loving mother who was bold and courageous adding that she has gone to be with the lord.

In a vote of thanks on behalf the family, the son of the deceased Mr Demola Oyewole thanked Ondo State First Lady and BRECAN for rendering emotional and other forms of support to their mother while she was battling with Breast Cancer, and prayed God to reward them aboundantly.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday counseled victims of breast cancer not to see the disease as death sentence but rather embrace early medical solution to overcome it.

ARABINRIN WITH GOVERNOR AMBODE

Governor Ambode, who said this while receiving the wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu at Lagos House, Ikeja on courtesy visit with members of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), said it was time for people to see solution to the disease from medical point of view and not only view it from spiritual or cultural points.

The Governor said though it was true that there is spiritualism, but that the common-sense approach to overcome breast cancer is to seek early medical solution.

He said: “This is more about the people at the lower level. People talk so much about spiritual issue on cancer. Yes, there is spiritualism but again there is common sense. This is obviously more about common sense and we don’t want to continue to lose our people.

“On our part as government, we will do more of public enlightenment, we will do more of advocacy and whatever it is that the association is doing, I want to be put in the front burner because I want to be a partner in this. I believe that anybody having good health, there is hope for good life and that is the way we should treat every citizen that we come across in the course of our duty.”

The Governor commended Mrs. Akeredolu for coming up with the initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer, and pledged to do everything necessary to support the overall objective of the group.

He said: “The most significant part of this is that you (Akeredolu) happen to be the President of the association, not because you are the First Lady of Ondo State, but because of the fact that you have been a survivor and an advocate of the issue of breast cancer prior to becoming the First Lady and that is very significant for me.

“I say this not because you are a survivor but because you are a proud one at that and also trying to send a message that breast cancer is not a death sentence. Twenty years after surviving it, you are seated here and we are propagating something that we should also sell to all Nigerians.

“The strong point of this association is more about advocacy to liberate our people from all these cultural myth and things that have actually held us down and eventually allowing Nigerians that have been held down by this to become part of the productive sector of the country which is the main purpose.

“When we are able to solve this; when we are able to advocate very well on the issue of cancer, we are technically increasing the GDP of Nigeria because it then means that more people will be part of the production sector,” the Governor said.

He said the State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other agencies was already doing a lot on issue of breast cancer, but that more efforts would be geared toward scaling up the advocacy especially at the grassroots.

Besides, Governor Ambode also appreciated the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu for his efforts in securing the release of the six students of Igbonla-Epe Model College.

LAGOS STATE BRECANITES WITH ARABINRIN AND GOV AMBODE

Earlier, Mrs Akeredolu said she was at Lagos House to introduce BRECAN to the Governor as part of activities marking the formal launch of the Lagos State chapter of the association on Friday, as well as seek the support and partnership of the State Government to jointly tackle cancer in the country.

The Ondo First Lady, who formed the association twenty years ago after surviving breast cancer, said the main objective of BRECAN was to raise awareness and advocacy about the issue, saying that early detection and medical solution is key to save victim.

“People now misconstrue the issue of breast cancer to be a cultural issue or spiritual attack and so they resort to prayer centres. But the truth is that breast cancer is a medical issue. Early detection and care is key. If you notice any unusual change in your breast, go for check-up and not prayer centres,” she said.

In her commitment to bringing breast cancer awareness to the door step of every home in Nigeria, the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) who is also the wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has mobilized BRECAN members of Oyo state chapter as foot soldiers and charged them with the task of eliminating breast cancer as a life threatening disease in Nigeria through public education , patient support, advocacy and research in that part of the country.

Addressing fellow BRECANITES during the investiture of the executives and 50 million naira fund raising ceremony at Ibadan, Oyo state, the Sunshine State First Lady mandated them to educate Nigerian women about the disease so they could become more knowledgeable and know that they could survive breast cancer if anyone was diagnosed. “Go and educate our women about this disease so that they become more knowledgeable and know you can survive breast cancer, and if you do the right thing at the right time, breast cancer is not a death sentence otherwise I wouldn’t be standing before you today. Breast cancer is not spiritual attack neither is it juju. In summary we can defeat breast cancer, Yes, we can !” she emphasized.

She also advised the foot soldiers to make conscious effort to break some of the barriers they would meet while discharging their duties, particularly the attitude of some Nigerian women on paying attention to vital health information.

Delivering her lecture titled : Breast health awareness: the entry point to fight cancer, the guest speaker Dr Adenike Adeniji-Sofoluwe of the department of Radiology, Breast Imaging Unit, University College Hospital, Ibadan, said “ Breast cancer is a non communicable disease that has global impact with the incident rate increasing from 25 million women at risk to 40 million women between 1992-2010 and is projected to reach 50 million women in 2020, stressing that we have a lot to do to fight the scourge”.
Dr Adenike who is also a Masters degree holder ( Genomes) from the University of Nottingham further revealed that breast cancer had a high incidence rate in continents of North America, part of South America, Australia and Europe and expressed displeasure that Nigeria which had relatively low incidence rate had about the highest mortality rate across the globe, she blamed it on the health seeking behavior of Nigeria women and Government negligence. She also called on stakeholders in the county to intervene through provision of free screening services and other patient support programmes to reduce the mortality rate.

In her speech, the chairperson of BRECAN Oyo State Chapter, Chief Mrs Bose Osunmakinwa who spoke through the Vice Chairperson, Princess Aderonke Adeyemi said “ BRECAN is committed to active campaign against breast cancer and their task as Oyo State foot soldiers is to make it possible in their territory through awareness outreach and patient support” . She assured the Founder that they would live up to her expectations.

Worried by the attitude of Nigerians towards responding to appeals for support from Non-Governmental Organisation NGOs in the country, wife of Ondo State Governor Arabirin Betty Akeredolu has called on Nigerians to have a change of attitude and give maximum support to NGOs in the country, stressing that they deserve such support.

Ondo State First lady who is also the founder of Breast cancer association of Nigeria, made this call in Ibadan,the Oyo State capital,while answering questions from journalist during a press conference organised in view, of the forthcoming investiture of Oyo State Chapter Executives and awareness fund raising ceremony.

Mrs akeredolu who described NGOs as agent that fills the gaps in the society, said NGOs survive on the support of well spirited individuals and hoped that Nigerians will have a change of attitude and begin to act like the people from the developed countries of the world.

“When it comes to financial support which many patients ask for, we always try to play it safe, because this is a country that hardly gives, Nigerians don’t give, especially on matters that don’t directly affect them. The spirit of humanitarianism here in Nigeria is still at its infancy and we are hoping gradually that it will be built up.”

In her own remakes the international president of BRECAN Mrs Juliet Ogbuogu. Said BRECAN is a non Profit, Non-Governmental Organization with Mission to eliminating Breast cancer as a live threatening disease through public education, patient support, advocacy and research.

Mrs Ogbuogu thanked God that the seed the founder sown 20 years ago has germinated and it’s branching across Nigeria and enumerated some of the functions of BRECAN RECAN include, market outreach, church and mosque outreach, Aerobics/fitness walk.

BRECAN Anniversary and BRECAN Breast Cancer Symposium: Every five years BRECAN celebrates its effort in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria in conjunction with an international symposium on breast cancer. The BRECAN 20th Anniversary and 3rd Breast Cancer Symposium will hold in Akure, Ondo State 18 to 21 October, 2017.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), a leading NGO that is galvanizing action against breast cancer in Nigeria. BRECAN was started in 1997 after her experience with breast cancer when she decided to do something that would bring about positive and lasting change in the Nigerian society that has deeply entrenched misconceptions about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated. She has won numerous awards nationally and internationally in recognition of her work and commitment in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria.

Through her private foundation, BAAF (Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation) founded in 1995, she has displayed passion in advancing and promoting literacy in children through programmes such as Reading is Fun, Essay Competition, Spelling Bee Competition. She is also interested in advancing the economic status of women, nurturing the interest of young girls in ICT and solar energy, developing talents in arts and sports, promotion of improved sanitation in schools and communities, promotion of quality education for the Deaf, and supporting women’s participation in politics and gender equity in governance.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she obtained BSc. Zoology in 1977 and later on in 1986, she got her MSc. Fisheries major in Aquaculture from the University of the Philppines, Iloilo. She is a firm believer in continuing education regardless of age which she demonstrated by going back to school (University of Ibadan) in 2016 for Masters in Public Health.

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu nurtured her career as a fisheries expert while working with the Federal Department of Fisheries and retired voluntarily in 2005 after 28 years of diligent service.

Presently, she is engaged in commercial fish farming and provides consultancy services under the business name, Aquatek Farms Ventures. In addition, she has made a foray into politics since 2007 and active in the present dispensation.

She is married to Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN and blessed with four wonderful children and three grand children. She is widely travelled and her hobbies include reading, gardening, sewing, music, jogging, tennis and yoga.

The BRECAN 20th anniversary which is celebrated in conjunction with the 3rd international symposium on breast cancer will hold on the 18th to 21st of October, 2017 at the Dome event centre, Akure, Ondo state.

The Aims and Objectives of the symposium include:

To provide a platform for International and local breast cancer experts and stakeholders to present and discuss most recent trends, practice, concerns as well as challenges encountered and solutions in the all aspects of breast cancer care.

To celebrate breast cancer awareness month

To introduce the Ondo state comprehensive cancer centre initiative

To showcase Tourist attraction locations in Ondo state.

Target Audience:

Health professionals: Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, etc.

Academics, scientist, researchers

Government Officials in Health care/administration

Breast cancer survivors, breast cancer advocates

Youth

Other NGOs: Cancer related, Women/females

Companies: Pharma, medical equipment

General public

NOTE: OPENING CEREMONY/PUBLIC FORUM, 18th OCT. FREE!!!

There will also be free health screenings and counselling sessions for interested participants.

The symposium is open to individuals across the world.

Online Registration closes @ 23:59 (GMT), 15th of October, 2017 however there is provision for ‘’ON SITE’’ registration which attracts extra charges at the venue of the conference.

WATCH OUT FOR UPDATES ON:

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

PROGRAMME/ WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

SPEAKERS

TOURS

THE OFFICIAL AIRLINE FOR #BRECANSYMPOSIUM2017 IS AIRPEACE COME TO THE AIRPORT WITH AN EVIDENCE OF PAYMENT TO ENJOY DISCOUNT.

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu – Akeredolu, has officially launched the Kogi State Chapter of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), with a charge for everyone to join in the effort to spread the awareness about breast cancer so that no woman in Nigeria needlessly die of the disease.

Speaking in the State Capital Lokoja, the wife of Ondo State Governor, urged women to be aware of the symptoms of disease and take active steps in preventing it.

She called for the support of Kogi State Government in the fight against the disease, stating that awareness is the key in eradicating death from breast cancer.

While addressing Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello during a courtsey visit to his office, Mrs Akeredolu appealed to the Governor to set up breast cancer treatment centre in Kogi state.

“Victims of breast cancer most times go to University College Hospital ( UCH) Ibadan and other hospitals outside the state, I see no reason why you cannot have your own breast cancer clinic in the state. Having breast cancer clinic in the state will go a long way to debunk the misconception about the disease because victims can easily be directed to hospital for treatment.

“We need your support in providing infrastructures like mammographic machine that helps to pick breast cancer at the earliest stage when no one can actually feel that the lump is there.

The first lady of Ondo State and founder of BRECAN further stated “One major barrier to breast cancer is financial challenge. When victims of breast cancer cannot afford the treatment, they are made to believe that it is a spiritual attack and get directed to prayer mountains but, if there is breast cancer clinic in the state, they will be able to access it, get treated and pass the message of hope across to others that breast cancer can be treated.

“We want you to make breast cancer awareness and treatment a priority so that women will not continue dying needlessly.”

In his remark, Governor Bello appreciated the Ondo State Government for the hospitality given to Kogi State indigenes who resides in Ondo State and commended the unrelenting efforts and passion of Arabinrin Akeredolu in the fight against the disease, breast cancer and promised his support to the fight against the disease.

“Every human being should rise against breast cancer because when you save a woman, you save a nation”

The Governor assured that everything will be done to ensure that the project record a huge success in the state.

In her own remark, the National President, BRECAN, Mrs Juliet Ogbogu, explained that the aim of establishing BRECAN in Kogi State is to make sure that women of the State did not die of the disease in their productive age.

“Public awareness of the disease is very important. We create awareness about breast cancer through activities like The Jog for Life and World Cancer Day among others”

The guest speaker, Dr Wuraola Ipinyomi, observed that Nigeria has the highest cancer death rate in Africa due to lack of awareness, lack of infrastrure like mammographic machine in hospitals, financial challenge, superstitious belief among others.

While appealing to people to live a healthy life, she cautioned against some of the causes of cancer to include obesity, sedentary life style, highfat, cholesterol diet, dietary iodine deficiency, environmental factors among others.

Dr Ipinyomi called on government to come to the aids of the victims of the disease by prioritising cancer treatment across the country so that women will not continue to die of the disease needlessly.

She also stressed the need for women to check their breasts monthly after mensuration as early detection remains the solution.